Time to Get Buc' Wild

Sean Payton may need to channel his inner Captain Jack Sparrow when the Saints cruise into Buccaneer territory later today. (Let the Chicks be the first to advise Payton to leave the eyeliner, beaded extensions and rum-based beverages at home.) The Bucs’ untried and youthful offensive line allowed 5 sacks last week on QB Jeff Garcia. Still, Payton needs to watch out for some cunning fellows who’d just love to shanghai the Saints and fire off that victory cannon.

The Curse of The Blonde Coach – Jon Gruden is now in his fifth season coaching the Buccaneers since winning the Super Bowl. He’s managed to sail along on his reputation because he brought the Vince Lombardi trophy to Tampa but he’s only achieved only one winning season since then. Gruden has always been considered an offensive whiz kid yet last season, Tampa Bay had one of the worst offenses in the league. The team ranked at or near the bottom in every important offensive category. If the Bucs don't see postseason play in 2007, it's pretty clear who'll be walking the plank.

The Swashbuckling Passer –What makes Jeff Garcia happiest about being a Buc? He gets to yell "Well, blow me down" to his offensive line without anyone batting an eyelash! Garcia had a lot of success in San Francisco going to the Pro Bowl in three consecutive seasons but he didn’t show that same level of consistency in Cleveland or Detroit. Garcia’s cutthroat spirit and dynamic leadership returned last season when he led the Philadelphia Eagles into the playoffs after Donovan McNabb landed in sick bay. He benefited from stepping into the Eagles’ well-oiled offensive crew making it an easy transition for him. Not exactly the case in Tampa. And let's say "Good Jeff" (and not his evil twin) shows up today. The Bucs’ offensive line still needs to offer decent protection so Garcia has time to use his nimble feet and savvy eye to make things happen.

The Fleet First Mate – Wide receiver Joey Galloway has been a pox on the Saints' defense the last two seasons. Galloway has had 17 receptions for 218 yards and 6 touchdowns in just four meetings against New Orleans. And now Galloway has a new quarterback at the helm to help him clobber the Saints’ secondary with the threat of his big play possibilities. Sean Payton crossed paths with Galloway when both men were with the Cowboys in 2003 so he knows that the 13-year veteran is a menace anywhere on the field. Because Galloway requires constant vigilance from the secondary, this opens up opportunities for the other Bucs receivers: Ike Hilliard, Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall. The Saints were constantly peppered in the backfield by the Colts last week so Galloway and the rest of the Bucs’ receiving corps may have figured out what Xs mark the spots to treasure in the end zone.

The Barber-y Ghost – Cornerback Ronde Barber, the less "douche-baggy" of the wondertwins, has played for the Buccaneers for eleven seasons. Barber learned his craft under the guidance of defensive mastermind Tony Dungy when he was coach of the Buccaneers from 1996-2001. That means the Saints face a wily veteran who is an expert at the same defensive scheme that soundly defeated them just ten days ago.
The Tampa D surrendered 343 yards against the Seattle Seahawks in their season opener. While the Saints offense hopes to rebound in a big way this week, Barber wants to show that his defensive squad still carries the imprint of its glory days.

Chicks Prediction: Saints 24 Bucs 10
Shiver me timbers...those scurvy Tampa Bay boys are in for a beat down!